So what's the secret? The tradition (and it's really no secret) is drawing names for Christmas gifts in your family or group. Some people call it Secret Santa. Basically, you put everyone's name in a hat and each person draws a name. Instead of giving a gift to every person in the group, you give just one gift to the person whose name you draw. That's one gift instead of many. Uno.

Giving just one gift has great merits. First, it's easy to be thoughtful when giving one gift. You can't say that when your list has 20 or more people on it! But thinking of one person can be lots of fun. And it doesn't put a strain on the wallet. When you choose a different person every year, you eventually give a gift to almost everyone in your group. Just not all in the same year. Now that's special.

To make drawing names real simple for your group, just follow two guidelines:

-First, draw names early in the season. Give everyone plenty of time to think about their drawn person and decide on a gift before the holiday gets busy.

-Second, define rules and limits for the group to follow.

Plan your gift exchange while you are together with your family or friends on vacation or during Fall holidays. In your office, organize your secret santa in October or early November. Draw names early, and you'll have months to choose just one gift.

-Most groups set a dollar limit for their gifts. People usually want to give a gift that's roughly equal in value to the gift that they will receive.

-Many groups keep the draw a secret, and then guess the giver after the gift is opened. This makes the event into a party game that everyone looks forward to each year.

-Some groups decide that the gift must be homemade or pre-owned by the giver. This is a great idea, especially when children are included, to show how it really is the thought that counts. It also ensures that the exchange is affordable for everyone.

-Some groups decide that the gift must fit in a Christmas stocking. Then they fill each other's stockings. Small candies and chocolates can be added for fun.

-Some groups decide on one particular gift each year, like everyone gives a picture frame, a hat, or a calendar. Then they change the chosen gift every year.

-Some groups have a "white elephant" exchange, which is to give silly, crazy, or even bad gifts that no one would ever want! Watch out if you choose this type of exchange, because it can quickly get out of hand.

-The whole idea is to have fun together, so be creative! Some groups change the rules every year.

The reality of having a secret santa is that you limit your shopping time and keep your budget reasonable. The magic of drawing names is that everyone in the group has fun and feels special. It's no wonder that families make a tradition of drawing names.

Plan early, and you'll sail through those once busy months of November and December this year. Try it, and you'll never go back to the old days of endless shopping.

Happy holidays!
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